We need Tom Wolfe again!

The current controversies involving Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Darren Wilson, Al Sharpton, and the like cry out for another novel by Tom Wolfe.

Grammar in the New York Times

Does the New York Times still care about grammar? Consider the following passage from a recent article in the New York Times:

"The strength of organized crime groups has grown in Europe in the face of economic uncertainty. The mob has used the crisis to accelerate their infiltration of legitimate businesses outside their southern Italian strongholds into Rome and Milan, as well as in France, Germany, Spain and beyond.

"Is the mafia Europe’s new security threat? What needs to be done to curtail its influence across the Continent?"

Dear Reader, do you see what is wrong with the above passage?
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Time to Mobilize: Mr. Putin and the Baltic Countries

Isn't it time for Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians in the United States to mobilize? Or is this already happening? &&& The dynamic evidence page

James Rebhorn

Jim was a great actor, a wonderful human being, a superior poker player – and a gentle and caring person. His death comes as a great shock.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/movies/james-rebhorn-character-actor-dies-at-65.html?hpw&rref=television

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Putin's Easter Egg Hunt

Sanction for Crimea referendum: President Obama canceled President Putin's invitation to the White House Easter egg hunt.

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Grammatical Infelicity #1

Krystin Arneson, SNOWDEN DESERVES CLEMENCY, SAYS NEW YORK TIMES, THE GUARDIAN, AND ANNE-MARIE SLAUGHTER Bustle (January 2, 2014):

Due to ”the enormous value of the information he has revealed, and the abuses he has exposed, Mr. Snowden deserves better than a life of permanent exile, fear and flight,” the Times wrote.

CORRECTED:

Due to ”the enormous value of the information he has revealed, and the abuses he has exposed, Mr. Snowden deserves better than a life of permanent exile, fear[,] and flight,” the Times wrote.

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The British practice of omitting the final comma in a series of three or more terms, expressions, or clauses is an abomination that should not be copied.

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